Troubleshooting common problems with commercial fridges

Commercial fridges are the centre of many businesses, keeping food at a precise temperature to maintain its freshness and longevity.

You may use chilled display cabinets to showcase products to your customers, such as local cheeses and cured meats. Or you might have a busy café with large catering fridges in the kitchen.

Whatever you use your commercial fridge for, you need it to be in tip-top working condition. Regular servicing and maintenance are all important as they will help to spot issues with your fridge before they turn into problems. Maintenance will also ensure that the key elements of the fridge – the compressor, condenser and thermostat – are all in good working order, helping your fridge to work more efficiently and last longer. You should also inspect your fridge between service visits so that you can pick up on any issues that develop. Keep an eye out for these top five common problems with commercial refrigerators:

1: Inconsistent temperature

This is the easiest way to spot a problem with your fridge. If it can’t maintain an even temperature, then there could be a problem with the thermostat and it’s time to get it checked. Checking your fridge temperature regularly promotes good food hygiene and means you can react quickly to problems. Always check the door seals if your fridge isn’t maintaining temperature, as this is a common fault and can be easily remedied. Otherwise, call a professional to check why this problem is occurring.

2: Noises

While your fridge may normally make a slight noise, you need to listen for noises that are different, such as buzzing, clicking or rattling. Certain noises can indicate problems with different components, so can be useful in identifying which area needs attention. Buzzing can be an indication that the motor is overworking, and may be a problem with the compressor. Clicking can be connected to the relay which helps to power the compressor, and may indicate that it’s struggling. If your fridge is rattling, then check that it’s sitting squarely on the ground, and make sure that it’s stable and not unbalanced. If the noises continue, it’s time to call a professional.

3: Leaks

Leaks need to be dealt with urgently, as they can be a health and safety risk.

Leaks will be either water or coolant. Coolant can be hazardous and needs to be dealt with carefully and professionally. Water leaks are usually caused by clogged drainage pipes, which can be resolved by cleaning and unblocking the pipes. Always carefully check the type of liquid that is leaking before proceeding.

4: Frost

Frost can build up in both commercial fridges and freezers. In freezers, it leads to inefficiency and a loss of space over time, and needs to be remedied. In fridges, it’s usually connected to temperature irregularities and could mean that the thermostat is malfunctioning. Remember, your food can be spoiled by being too cold as well as too warm. If your fridge is suffering from temperature irregularities, then it’s time to call a professional for a service.

5: Door seals

Problems with the door seals are common but are also easy to fix. It’s important to clean and inspect your deal seals regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and keep an eye out for damage to the seal. Damaged seals lead to cooling issues, which results in the fridge needing to work harder to maintain the correct temperature. If your door seals are damaged, they can be easily replaced, by a professional.

When it’s time to upgrade come to Fridgesmart

A commercial fridge or freezer is an important business investment, preserving food and maintaining quality and freshness. It should be regularly cleaned and serviced to extend its life. If your fridge is starting to cause problems, then it might be more financially prudent to plan to replace it, rather than risk a sudden failure, which can have a severe business impact. However, if you do need an urgent replacement, then we’re here to help you. Here at Fridgesmart, we’re here for your business. Whether you want to discuss the possible options ready for when you upgrade, or just want to replace your current commercial fridge with a like-for-like model, we can help.

We stock a wide range of different brands and models of commercial fridges and freezers, so there’s something for everyone. To see our full range, click here.  For advice on choosing the best solution for your business, call us today on 0115 9413640.